Thursday, October 30, 2014

Heather Donahue: From Blair Witch to Writing Niche.

In 1999 Heather Donahue played the lead character of the hit
film The Blair Witch Project. After
appearing in various independent films and television shows, she put her Hollywood
career aside and turned her focus onto growing medical marijuana. This lead to
her writing a book about her exploits, Growgirl: The Blossoming of an
Unlikely Outlaw. I had the opportunity to correspond with Heather and talk
to her about her life and career.

What was growing up
in Philadelphia like for you?

It made me very grounded. I especially appreciate that now
that I live in NorCal. You can take the girl out of Philly, but you can't take
the Philly out of the girl.

You got your first
start in a movie called Raw: Stripped to
the Bone. What path led you to your first film?

I've been acting, writing, dancing, since I was a kid. I did
that NYU student film just after I graduated with my BFA in theater.

Had you had much
experience with improv prior to The Blair Witch Project?

I was a founding member of the NYC improv troupe Red Shag.
That was what drew me to Blair Witch, that it was going to be improvised.

About how much of The
Blair Witch Project was improvised?

All of it.

What does it feel
like to see that even today people are still referencing scenes from Blair
Witch?

I did Blair when I was 23, so I don't know anything else. It
just feels like this thing that I know is sort of weird, but has always been a
part of my life.

Are you recognized
often for your work?

Weirdly, yes. A blow out and little mascara prevents that
when needed.

What was it like to
work with the folks from It’s Always
Sunny in Philadelphia?

Those guys are great and I love that show. I remember being
at the first table read in Philly and saying that the show would go ten years.
Looks like I was spot on!

Did you hold onto any
thing from Blair Witch after your purge?

I still have the hat.

What inspired you to
write a book?

I'm a life long writer and reader. It's been a dream since I
was a kid to write a book.

What did you think
about the Blair Witch Project 2: Book of Shadows?

I've never seen it.

What made you decide
to grow medical marijuana?

I wanted a change. My life in LA wasn't what I wanted
anymore.

What authors do you
find the most inspirational?

The Howe sisters, Jeanette Winterson, Elaine Dundy, Iris
Owens

In an interview you
once said, “Romance is a castle of lies.” Can you explain that?

I don't remember that, but I'm guessing it was said around
the dissolution of my 10-year relationship.

You showed me a wrist
tattoo via twitter. What does that symbol mean?

Annica. Impermanence. Impermanence is just another word for
freedom.

Has the reception for
Growgirl been positive?

Among everyone in the world? No. Among most readers? Yes. I
have been really touched by the emails I've received from readers for whom the
book nailed something about their own searches. Their desire for freedom and a
life they can live with.

What types of movies
scare you?

Tense, psychological ones like the Shining.

Do you miss anything
about the world of acting?

I like performing, but I don't miss anything about being an
LA actress.

What is the best part
about giving up your acting career?

The time to write and being able to change my hair whenever
I want.

Do you ever see
yourself behind a camera or perhaps in front of one again?

For sure. I'm producing an independent pilot called Grass
Valley right now. We're shooting in January. We're putting together a cast of
the most incredibly funny people. People who I have massive respect for. Bold,
brave, hilarious comedians.

What project are you
currently working on?

It's a sitcom. The working title is Grass Valley. It has
many familiar characters from my book, Growgirl. It's an ensemble comedy about
family, friends, and freedom, set in the marijuana growing world of rural
NorCal. Follow me @aheatherdonahue for updates on that and all the
things.

Heather Donahue can be found on Twitter at @aheatherdonahue
as well as her website http://heatherdonahue.com.
Her book, Growgirl: The Blossoming of an Unlikely Outlaw, is available
wherever books are sold.